an honest confession

[cfos]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Correct, in auto mode the car starts out in 2nd gear. To get into 1st gear you need to use manual mode.

But, in 1st (which I didn't spend more than 3-6 seconds in so I can't compare), in manual mode - did/do you appreciate any noticeable difference in performance? On the low end of the RPM spectrum, I don't know that I appreciated any difference - as compared to downshifting and exerting more control in the other gears. In autocrossing, etc., is there a performance difference in 1st? Though I may be... sarcastic in most of my posting, I'm attempting a serious question, so please do answer. My current 981 *pdk* goes back to 1st - even in auto mode. Pretty sure my 997.2S, also pdk, went back to 1st in auto mode.

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by cfos

But, in 1st (which I didn't spend more than 3-6 seconds in so I can't compare), in manual mode - did/do you appreciate any noticeable difference in performance? On the low end of the RPM spectrum, I don't know that I appreciated any difference - as compared to downshifting and exerting more control in the other gears. In autocrossing, etc., is there a performance difference in 1st? Though I may be... sarcastic in most of my posting, I'm attempting a serious question, so please do answer. My current 981 *pdk* goes back to 1st - even in auto mode. Pretty sure my 997.2S, also pdk, went back to 1st in auto mode.

With the Tiptronic, yes 1st is much faster off the line. The bad thing is Porsche geared 1st so low when you hit 2nd gear the RPM drop is not optimal in my eyes, hence me saying Porsche must have thought we are pulling out tree stumps with 1st gear.

PDK I have no idea, I've never driven one. All I know is it's much better then the Tiptronic.

[cfos]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

With the Tiptronic, yes 1st is much faster off the line. The bad thing is Porsche geared 1st so tall when you hit 2nd gear the RPM drop is not optimal in my eyes, hence me saying Porsche must have thought we are pulling out tree stumps with 1st gear.

PDK I have no idea, I've never driven one. All I know is it's much better then the Tiptronic.

I guess the few times I did manual mode with the tip, I shifted to 2nd quicker and didn't ride out the peak. Hence, I didn't experience much difference in 1st/2nd. Interesting - thanks for the reply.

I can't comment much on the pdk, as I mostly drive in auto (and in 2 years of 981 ownership, am and at 4000 miles) and don't push it as much as the avid enthusiast. When I had the 911s, that car had significantly more power than the 987, so I didn't feel much need to push that one either. Maybe when the kids are older and off doing Jake-like things... I'll consider it with the 981 :ah:

[edit] strike that last comment. When I was Jake's age, I had jobs. My kids will too. And 20s be expensive!